Maker of the Week - Fiona Howard

Fiona Howard has been designing textiles for over 20 years creating collections for the Home Furnishings market in the UK and worldwide for names including John Lewis, G.P.& J. Baker, Sandersons, Pierre Frey, Habitat and many more. While continuing to design for her clients, she has now created 'FiFi', the first collection under her own name. FiFi designs are inspired by and evocative of happy outdoor memories with a fresh contemporary feel to lift your spirits and make your home a beautiful, happy place.


One favourite living craft maker (and why?)
Edmund De Vaal, because his ceramics are beautiful, considered, quiet and serene.

What was the last art/craft/design thing you purchased? or What one product/item do you really covet? (and why?)
The last thing I bought was a beautiful bowl by Jonna Behrens, but I really covet one of Christo's beautiful drawings for his immense and inspiring projects such as 'The Wrapped Reichstag' or 'The Gates' in Central Park.

At age 15 who influenced your style? Was there any individual who very much helped you on your way?
Aged 15 I was totally into Salvador Dali, though I don't think he had any hand in what I'm doing now. I was very lucky to have a fantastic tutor at school, Colin Temblett-Wood who persuaded me to follow my dream and go to Art College when my family weren't so keen.



Last best read (book)?
The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho......changed my life !

Where and what is your studio? Do you work alone? In silence, radio?
I used to share a studio, but for over 18 years I've worked on my own. I work best with no distractions, not even the radio, ( though Chris Moyles on Radio 1 in the morning is my secret pleasure !) At the moment my studio overlooks the sea in Brunswick Square, this is my favourite time of year when I can work with the windows open and listen to to seagulls and the sounds of summer.

What is your favourite (art) website (and why)?
printpattern.blogspot.com for lots of lovely inspiring work



Surprising activity/hobby ?
Surfing ( badly ) with my two teenage boys in Cornwall every summer


Do you have a good work/life balance? Are you able to switch off from art work?
No, I'm terrible at switching off...there's always something else I could be doing at my desk, and ideas, cut outs pieces of paper sketches and notes seem to creep all over my flat !




What one word would describe your feeling of doing your work?
All consuming ( sorry that's two words !)

Do you think art and craft has any real importance?
Yes, absolutely it would be a very dull world without it.

What do think are crimes against good taste & decency in art/craft/design?
'Crocs', which may be practical but are so ugly, as is the Fiat Multipla !




le="font-weight: bold;">Do you think art and craft has any real importance?